Hyderabad Bhubaneswar special train via Duvvada announced for festival season
Indian Railways has announced a special train service between Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar via Duvvada to accommodate the expected surge in festive season travel. The temporary service, scheduled from mid-September to late October, is aimed at easing passenger rush while improving intercity connectivity across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Officials confirmed that the Hyderabad–Bhubaneswar train will operate weekly, departing Hyderabad on Tuesday evenings and reaching Bhubaneswar the following day. In the return direction, the train will leave Bhubaneswar every Wednesday night and arrive back in Hyderabad the next evening. The additional halts include major junctions such as Secunderabad, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Vizianagaram, and Brahmapur, along with Duvvada, which serves as a crucial gateway for passengers from Visakhapatnam.
Railway planners said the decision to introduce this train was driven by passenger demand patterns observed during previous festival seasons. The route connects some of the busiest urban, industrial and educational hubs in southern and eastern India, making it essential for both migrant workers and students who often travel home for festivals.
Beyond the Hyderabad–Bhubaneswar special, the Railway Board has also authorised experimental halts for express trains at Ankorha Station in Bihar, responding to long-pending requests from local communities. Authorities explained that these additional stoppages would be evaluated over time before being considered for permanent inclusion.Transport analysts view these measures as part of a broader effort by the railways to strengthen equitable mobility. Special trains during festivals reduce the dependence on private vehicles and buses, thereby cutting congestion and emissions across highways. With India moving towards a low-carbon transport future, enhancing the capacity of rail its most energy-efficient mode has been highlighted as a sustainable step.
For now, the HyderabadPassenger associations welcomed the decision, pointing out that affordable rail connectivity remains vital for regional economies. For residents of smaller towns along the corridor, the new service will open up opportunities for faster travel to larger employment and education centres without relying on costlier alternatives.At the same time, officials acknowledged that the success of the initiative will depend on punctuality, adequate onboard facilities, and transparent communication with passengers. Delays and overcrowding have often marred festive specials in the past, undermining their intended relief.
Bhubaneswar special via Duvvada offers a timely solution to what has long been a seasonal challenge for the railways balancing demand with comfort and affordability. If managed efficiently, it could serve as a model for how the national transporter adapts to rising passenger needs while keeping sustainability at the forefront of its operations.
